Australian travellers can now use their smartphone to report illegal wildlife trade, using a world-first app developed by the Taronga Conservation Society Australia.

Developed in partnership with TRAFFIC and launched today at Taronga Zoo, the ‘Wildlife Witness’ app enables users to directly report illegal wildlife trade by taking a photo, pinning the exact location of an incident and sending these important details to TRAFFIC.

These reports will be analysed by a Wildlife Crime Data Analyst and credible incidents will be referred to enforcement agencies for action. Over time, this information will help build international intelligence about illegal wildlife trade, prioritise response action and highlight areas in need of increased enforcement resources.

“Illegal wildlife trade is worth at least $19 billion annually and is threatening the future of wildlife all over the world. Today alone, 100 elephants will be killed and 12,000 bears are sitting in cages as part of the worldwide demand for wildlife products,” said Cameron.

“Wildlife Witness is the first global community action tool to tackle illegal wildlife trade. The app makes reporting these activities simple for both tourists and locals and will help give TRAFFIC the information they need to help address this global wildlife crisis.”

Taronga Zoo’s male Sun Bear, Mr Hobbs, was rescued as a cub from outside a Cambodian restaurant when an Australian traveller reported the incident to authorities. He was destined to be sold for bear paw soup.

Minister for the Environment, Greg Hunt said: “The illegal wildlife trade is now a global crisis which is devastating wildlife populations around the world. By using this simple app, Australians can be part of a global effort to stamp out illegal wildlife trade.”